Too many dogs are dying on KC roads. It’s tragic — and a safety hazard | Opinion
The stretch of Interstate 70 from from eastern Jackson County through Kansas City has become an unsettling sight for commuters and residents alike. The frequent sight of dead dogs along the highway is not just a heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerability of stray animals but also a call to action for our community, the Missouri Department of Transportation and City Council leadership.
As degrees on the thermometer rise in Kansas City, so does the frequency of dead dogs seen hit along the highway in the 3rd District. I recently saw two dogs near Van Brunt Boulevard, and another by the U.S. 40 Highway exit. Most recently, a large dog was hit near the 23rd Street bridge project. The dog remained in the closed traffic lane for weeks. In one two-week period last summer, there were three dead dogs between the Jackson and Benton curves. Even after voicemail and email requests to MoDOT, carcasses of dead dogs sometimes remain on the freeway and shoulders for weeks and months. Some are never retrieved and decay until they are no longer recognizable.
Kansas City’s animal control and the KC Pet Project are aware of the issue. Third District leadership is aware of the issue. Kansas City’s Director of Neighborhood Services Department is aware of the issue. MoDOT is aware of the issue. Yet drivers continue to see more dogs hit along this section of roadway.
During last August’s 3rd District meeting, residents voiced serious concerns regarding animal control. In response, district leadership, in coordination with Kansas City’s Neighborhood Services Department director, proposed seeking assistance from MoDOT to install protective barriers and fencing. While physical infrastructure may mitigate some risks, the underlying issue remains the prevalence of roaming, unleashed dogs.
Kansas City residents again expressed concerns when the City Council discussed the future management of city animal control with KC Pet Project leadership earlier this year. During these negotiations, the people demanded better management of the stray dog population in the city.
Why are so many dogs ending up on the freeway? Are they strays, pets that have escaped or victims of neglect? While some speculate that stray dogs from nearby neighborhoods wander onto the highway, others suggest that loose pets may be making their way free from yards. Regardless of the cause, the result is the same: a tragic loss of life and a hazard for drivers.
The presence of these animals on the highway is not just a matter of animal welfare — it is also a public safety concern. Drivers swerving to avoid animals or encountering unexpected obstacles can lead to accidents, putting human lives at risk as well.
Are roaming dogs reported appropriately? Are workers being dispatched to pick up these pets? Are neglectful owners being held accountable? Do city residents need help repairing fences? Do neighborhoods need animal care resources? Increased efforts to secure pets, such as proper fencing and leasing, can prevent them from wandering onto dangerous roadways. The increased presence of animal control officers could deter pet neglect. Stray animal populations can be managed through spaying, neutering and adoption programs. Additionally, local authorities could consider installing barriers or implementing measures to deter animals from accessing the highway.
As we prepare Kansas City for the international eyes of the World Cup events next summer, let us demonstrate compassion for our people and our animals, and work together to fix this problem.